This pulled beef sandwich is a tasty treat, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef that’s fall-apart good! It’s piled high on a soft bun and topped with your favorite sauce.
Honestly, when I make these, I can’t help but savor each bite. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or just a snack when you want something hearty! Who can resist a scrumptious sandwich?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with brisket or round roast, but chuck roast is my favorite for its balance of flavor and tenderness.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite sauce! For a healthier option, a low-sugar barbecue sauce or homemade sauce can work well. I love a smoky flavor, so I often choose a sauce with chipotle or hickory notes.
Buns: Brioche or pretzel buns offer a nice touch, but any sturdy hamburger bun will do. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free buns or serve the beef on lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Cheddar Cheese: While I recommend cheddar, you can switch to pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Cheese adds creaminess and flavor that ties the sandwich together.
How Do You Achieve Tender, Shredded Beef?
The secret to perfectly shredded beef lies in the slow cooking process. Make sure you sear the beef first; it locks in flavor and gives a nice crust. Follow these steps for tender beef:
- Heat olive oil and sear the beef on all sides until browned (3-4 minutes per side).
- Slow cook with the broth and seasonings for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
- Check if it shreds easily with two forks to know it’s ready.
Letting the shredded beef soak in the cooking liquid before serving also enhances flavor and moisture. Don’t skip that part!
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: pickles and coleslaw for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and then the beef will cook in the slow cooker for either 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. After cooking, it takes about 25 minutes to shred the beef, prepare the buns, and assemble the sandwiches. So overall, expect to dedicate around 8 hours and 40 minutes for a delicious meal, including almost all hands-off time while the beef cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season your beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is great for building flavor in your pulled beef!
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Next, take the seared beef and place it into your slow cooker. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle the smoked paprika. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is well-coated in the delicious sauce. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The key is to let it cook until the beef is super tender and pulls apart easily.
3. Shred the Beef:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate. Use two forks to shred the beef, making sure to discard any large pieces of fat. Shredding is where the magic happens, turning your beef into that perfect pulled goodness!
4. Combine with Sauce:
Now, return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker. Stir it into the cooking liquid, allowing the beef to soak up all those fantastic flavors. Let it mix together on low heat for about 10 minutes.
5. Prepare the Buns:
While the beef soaks in the goodness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your hamburger buns on a baking sheet. If you like a little crunch, toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Time to build your sandwiches! Start by placing a generous scoop of the pulled beef on the bottom half of each bun. Top it off with a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the buns back in the oven for about 3 minutes—just long enough for the cheese to melt all over the beef!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is gooey and melted, take them out of the oven. Add any extra toppings you love, like pickles or coleslaw. Lastly, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve warm. Now, dig in and enjoy your delicious pulled beef sandwich!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for its flavor and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just ensure whatever cut you choose has enough marbling for a juicy result. Adjust the cooking time if using a leaner cut, as it may cook faster!
How Do I Store Leftover Pulled Beef?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze pulled beef for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pulled beef a day in advance. After shredding, let it cool slightly before storing it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve, and assemble the sandwiches fresh!
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, try using a mix of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a few spices (like chili powder or cumin) to create a tangy substitute. Alternatively, a homemade BBQ sauce is a great option if you’ve got the time!
